Through classroom learning, experiential opportunities and hands-on skills development, Brock University’s soon-to-be graduates have spent years preparing for their next big step.

The hard work and dedication of about 1,000 graduands will culminate in a meaningful walk across the Convocation stage on Friday, Oct. 16, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their journey.

Whether entering the workforce, pursuing graduate studies or exploring other opportunities, their milestone moment will be celebrated during two ceremonies at 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in Brock’s Ian D. Beddis Gymnasium.

The morning ceremony will see Mary Jo Haddad, former longtime President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), deliver the Convocation address and receive an honorary doctorate from the University.

In addition to spending 10 years at the helm of the nation’s top pediatric hospital, Haddad has built a career around providing strategic leadership and advisory services to health-care systems around the world as President of MJH & Associates while also lending her expertise as Corporate Director at Telus and past Director at TD Bank Group.

Among the other honours being presented Friday are the Governor General Silver Medals, awarded to the two undergraduate students with the highest academic standing in a first honours degree. This year’s recipients are Biotechnology graduate Krishna Patel and Computer Science graduate Geoffrey Jensen, who each convocated this past spring with a Bachelor of Science.

Also being awarded Friday are the Board of Trustees Spirit of Brock medals, presented to students who best exemplify the spirit of the University’s namesake, Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock, by demonstrating qualities of leadership, courage, innovation, inspiration and community involvement. This fall’s recipients are Makayla Finn, a Bachelor of Physical Education graduand, and Mario Berro, a Master of Business Administration graduand.

Berro served as President and CEO of the Graduate Students’ Association and has helped to build strong connections between graduate students and local organizations, including Pathstone Mental Health and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara. During her studies, Finn dedicated time to raising awareness of the experiences of Black women navigating disability and accessibility systems and contributed to equity-focused initiatives throughout St. Catharines.

Electronic tickets are required to attend Fall Convocation and must be presented upon entry into the gymnasium. All eligible graduating students are entitled to two complimentary tickets that must be claimed in advance.

Both Fall Convocation ceremonies will be livestreamed online at brocku.ca/livestream for those unable to attend in person.

Complimentary parking will be available for Fall Convocation graduands and guests in Lots D and B1. If these lots are full, overflow parking will be available in Lot 3. An accessible drop-off location is available at the entrance to the Walker Complex and accessible parking is available in Lot P. Carpooling and ride sharing are encouraged.

For more information, visit brocku.ca/convocation